Palazzo Capece

Palazzo Capece, historical residence from the 1800 in Caivano
Palazzo Capece stands on Caivano’s Corso Umberto, which is part of the ancient Via Regia that used to connect Naples to the Royal Palace of Caserta. Its architectural structure still retains the essential features typical of nineteenth-century buildings. Before becoming the property of the Capece family, the Palazzo was formerly a Post Station. Back in those times, shipments, as well as people, travelled by carriage, and the post stations (located about 8 km apart) supplied vital support for the ongoing journey, providing the possibility of changing horses and postmen so that a rapid pace could be maintained throughout the journey, ensuring the efficiency and speed of their transportation. These post stations encompassed multiple buildings, including horse stables, coach houses, blacksmiths’ workshops and inns for the travellers to refresh themselves.

It was in 1800 or perhaps even earlier that the Post Station was acquired by the Neapolitan Capece family. A deed was found inside the building indicating that the ‘residence located at 33, Corso Umberto’ originally belonged to Giorgio Capece (1826-1872), the son of Michele Capece, who most likely purchased the property and then divided it between his two sons, Giorgio and Domenico. Giorgio unfortunately passed away prematurely, leaving his assets, including Palazzo Capece, to his wife Maria Libertini (1848-1921), who married the nephew of the deceased, Giuseppe Capece (1853-1888), a few years later, before he also died prematurely. Maria Libertini thus became the heiress to a substantial estate that she continued to enhance over time.

In 1899, the Libertini family obtained a perpetual concession, giving them the permanent right to maintain Capece Chapel, which was designed by Engineer Vincenzo Russo and is located in the cemetery of Caivano. Today, the chapel has been fully restored and contains some remarkable paintings.

After the death of Maria Libertini, Palazzo Capece was first inherited by Pietro Capece (1881-1956) and subsequently by Giuseppe Capece (1907-1986), the husband of Nora Cafaro (1908-1996), daughter of Cavalier Alessandro Cafaro, Mayor of Caivano. The couple had four children: Elvira, Alessandro, Bianca and Pietro, and the family home was inherited by their two sons, Alessandro and Pietro. The latter, known in Caivano as Dottor Capece, took over the whole building, which is currently inhabited by his descendants.

Over the years, Palazzo Capece has undergone a number of modifications related to the renovation of the premises, enhancing its overall solidity. This ongoing transformation is thus ensuring the precious legacy of the people who formerly inhabited the historical residence, which houses not only elements traceable to its past as a Post Station, but also a wealth of objects, valuables, artifacts, statues, paintings and implements. Over the last 50 years, it was Pietro Capece in particular who was passionate about art and took an especial interest in enriching Palazzo Capece. It is also thanks to him that the Palazzo now boasts a gallery with countless exhibits of historical and artistic value.

Facilities and services: private events at Palazzo Capece
Palazzo Capece is a 3,000 square metre complex, which is currently undergoing renovation work in order to develop its spaces across multiple levels. Various types of event can be hosted here, including conferences, cultural events, historical and theatrical performances, concerts and private parties. Part of the facility will also be dedicated to creating experiences for people visiting Naples, Caserta and Caivano for the first time.